A device login request on Facebook is when you get prompted to enter your Facebook login credentials when accessing Facebook from a new device or browser. This is a security measure implemented by Facebook to protect user accounts from unauthorized access.
Why am I getting a device login request on Facebook?
There are a few reasons why Facebook may prompt you for a device login:
- You are accessing Facebook from a new device for the first time
- You are accessing Facebook from a new web browser for the first time
- You have cleared your cookies/browsing data on your browser
- Your previous session on Facebook expired or you logged out
- You switched accounts on the same browser
Facebook does not recognize your device or browser, so it prompts you to login again to confirm your identity and secure your account. This prevents unauthorized access if someone else tries to login from an unknown device.
What should I do when I get a device login request?
When you get a device login prompt on Facebook, you should enter your Facebook username (or registered email) and password. This verifies your identity to Facebook and grants access to your account from the new device/browser.
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you are on the official Facebook website – https://www.facebook.com
- Check the URL carefully before entering any information
- Do not enter your login credentials if you suspect anything suspicious
- Use a strong password that is unique to your Facebook account
- Consider enabling two-factor authentication for extra security
Once you successfully login, Facebook registers your new device/browser and will recognize it going forward when you access Facebook from it.
How does the device login request work?
The device login request works by leveraging browser cookies and device identification techniques:
- When you first login to Facebook, it sets a browser cookie containing an identifier
- On subsequent logins, Facebook checks for this cookie to recognize your device
- If the cookie is missing, Facebook prompts you to login again
- Facebook also employs browser/device fingerprinting methods to identify and track logins
Some key points on how device login requests work:
- Clearing cookies or using private/incognito browsing erases the login cookie, causing a new prompt
- The cookie expires after some time, requiring re-authentication
- Fingerprinting tracks things like IP address, browser version, fonts, etc. to recognize devices
- Facebook associates the cookie or fingerprints with your account for authentication
- If it sees a mismatch between the cookie/fingerprints and your account, you get prompted
Is the device login request safe?
Yes, the device login request is a safe and recommended security practice used by many major websites like Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc. Here are some reasons it is considered safe:
- Prevents account access from unauthorized devices
- Protects against session hijacking or cookies theft
- Ensures the person accessing your account is really you
- Two-factor authentication can be enforced for even stronger security
- You should never be asked for sensitive info beyond your login credentials
As long as you are certain you are on the legitimate Facebook website, it is safe to enter your username and password when prompted on a new device/browser.
How can I manage device login requests?
You can manage and customize device login requests to some extent in your Facebook settings:
- Reduce login requests by choosing “Keep me logged in” when prompted
- Set the login approval expiration period from 1 day to 90 days
- Add devices you trust to your Approved Logins list
- Customize trusted contacts for account recovery
- Strengthen account security with two-factor authentication
- Get alerts about unrecognized logins under Security Notifications
Properly configuring these settings can minimize disruptive login requests while keeping your account secure.
What happens if I ignore the device login request?
If you ignore or cancel the device login prompt on Facebook, you will not be able to access your Facebook account from that device/browser.
When you click cancel or close the login popup, Facebook will block access to protect your account. Here is what happens if you ignore the login request:
- Your Facebook news feed or page will not load further
- You may see an error or alert to login to continue
- All Facebook features will be inaccessible until you login
- This applies to both mobile app and website on the new device
- Clearing cookies or data will not resolve the issue
Essentially, Facebook blocks all access to accounts until identity is confirmed via the device login request. So it is necessary to complete the login prompt when switching devices or clearing browser data.
Can I use Facebook without approving the login request?
No, there is no way to use Facebook without approving the device login request when prompted. The approval is mandatory as a security measure.
By design, Facebook enforces device login confirmation before granting account access from new devices or browsers. The only way forward is to complete the login request with your credentials.
Attempts to bypass or ignore the prompt will result in error messages or restricted access. Even using old cookies or sessions from your previous login will not work, since Facebook expects fresh authentication.
Some things that will not work include:
- Trying to restore previous session/cookies
- Clicking links to specific Facebook pages
- Accessing Facebook via a third party app
- Using cached or stale browser data
- Switching between Facebook accounts
The only way to fully use Facebook is to complete the one-time device login approval process when prompted.
I am constantly getting login requests on Facebook, what should I do?
Getting constant or frequent device login requests on Facebook can be annoying. Here are some tips to fix this issue:
- Clear your browser cookies and cache and try logging in again
- Log out then log back into Facebook to reset the session
- Check that you don’t have multiple Facebook accounts
- Make sure you click “Keep me logged in” when prompted
- Update your browser or try switching to another browser
- Change your Facebook password in case it is compromised
- Scan devices for malware just in case
- Enable login approvals and review unknown sessions
If the frequent login requests persist, contact Facebook support for further help in troubleshooting. Be sure to keep your account safe by having strong credentials and security measures enabled.
Can I remove the device login request on Facebook?
No, there is no setting or option to completely remove or disable the device login requests on Facebook.
The login prompts are a mandatory security mechanism that cannot be turned off. Whenever Facebook’s systems do not recognize your device or browser, you will be asked to provide your login credentials.
While login requests cannot be disabled, you can manage them better:
- Always choose “Keep me logged in” when prompted
- Increase the login approval expiration period
- Add your trusted devices to the Approved Logins list
- Maintain login consistency across devices
But the device login request itself cannot be removed altogether. Facebook does not provide any such setting or workaround. You will have to approve logins when prompted to continue using Facebook securely.
What are the risks of approving device login requests?
Approving device login requests carries minimal risks if you understand what they are and take precautions. Here are some risks to keep in mind:
- Approving logins on public or shared devices puts your account at risk
- Someone could access your account from a stolen device or browser
- It can enable access if someone gets hold of your password
- You may unintentionally approve a login on a phishing site
- Keeping you logged in makes you vulnerable to session hijacking
However, the risks are mitigated by following good security practices:
- Never login from public computers
- Use device locking and strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Check for HTTPS and valid certificates on sites
- Monitor devices and locations in Facebook Activity log
- Promptly report any unauthorized logins
Device login approvals enable convenience but require vigilance. Use proper account security to stay protected.
Conclusion
Device login requests on Facebook are an essential security measure to confirm your identity and prevent unauthorized account access. When prompted for login approval on a new device, you should enter your credentials carefully after verifying the website’s authenticity. Approving the login allows Facebook to register your device and browser for seamless access going forward. While approval carries some risk, you can manage login security via Facebook’s many account protection features to stay safe.